How to Separate Personal & Business Relationships When Working With Family
- 1). Assess the current workplace situation with you and your family to get a better understanding of the issues that should be addressed before you begin working together.
- 2). Create a list of workplace rules or establish your own family and work separation rules to help with coping with work-related issues and business decisions that may affect your relationships on a personal level.
- 3). Avoid talking about or dealing with personal issues in the workplace, regardless of whether or not you are working with a close family member who can also help to resolve these issues. Instead, work to solve personal and family problems on your own time -- keeping work strictly business.
- 4). Inquire about keeping your work tasks separate from your family by reporting your own progress to someone other than your family member. Working entirely separate will keep conflicts at a minimum to keep your relationship positive.
- 5). Address your family member by her professional name or how other employees address her. Avoid using nicknames or calling a family member "Mom" if she is addressed otherwise by her first or last name. Stick to workplace rules and guidelines the same as other employees who are not family.
- 6). Stick with your business or company goals by staying objective and focusing on the tasks at hand rather than on personal matters or concerns with your family. Keeping your family and work life separate allows you to stay focused and committed to your current objectives.